Apparatus for loading conductive powders into an electrical connector socket

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for introducing submicron diameter nickel/gold particulate powder and compacting them within sockets which function to provide a detachably pluggable electrical connector. A predetermined amount, by weight, of particulate powder is loaded into holes in a transfer plate under the influence of mechanical vibration to produce particulate segregation. A socket receptacle circuit board or module is attached to the transfer plane and the powder particulate is then transferred into the sockets under mechanical vibration so as to accomplish densification to a predetermined volume fraction of the powder particulate.

ilnite States Patent Wheeler [111 3,795,6'7 1 1 Mar. 5, 1974 APPARATUS FOR LOADING CONDUCTIVE POWDERS INTO AN ELECTRECAL CONNECTOR SOCKET [75] inventor: Wendell ,1. Wheeler, Endwell, N.Y.

[73] Assignee: international Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY.

221 Filed: Oct. 2, 1972 [21 1 Appl. No.: 294,398

[52] US. Cl 425/78, 425/127, 425/256, 425/258, 339/275 R [51] int. Cl B301) 11/02, B30b 15/02 [58] Field of Search 425/78, 256, 258, 260, 1 27 [56] Reierences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,256,081 9/1941 Farley 425/258 2,582,891 1/1952 Strauss.. 425/258 2,839,786 6/1958 Alesi 425/258 2,852,809 9/1958 Miles et al. 425/258 X Liscc 425/258 Angclotti ct al. 425/256 X 6/1966 l/l97l Primary Examiner-.l. Howard Flint, Jr Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Charles S. Neave [57] ABSTRACT An apparatus for introducing submicron diameter nickel/gold particulate powder and compacting them within sockets which function to provide a detachably pluggable electrical connector. A predetermined amount, by weight, of particulate powder is loaded into holes in a transfer plate under the influence of mechanical vibration to produce particulate segregation. A socket receptacle circuit board or module is attached to the transfer plane and the powder particulate is then transferred into the sockets under mechanical vibration so as to accomplish densification to a predetermined volume fraction of the powder particulate.

6 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures APPARATUS FOR LOADING CONDUCTIVE POWDERS INTO AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SOCKET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the compacting of metal powder particulate, and more particularly, to the apparatus for precisely compacting submicron diameter particulate powders into electrical connector sockets.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the prior art, numerous resinous compositions have been made conductive by a physical inter-mixture of particles capable of carrying electrical current. These particles have been finely divided materials, such as copper, gold, carbon, and the like. These conductive plastics are empirically produced and the properties of the conductive mixtures obtained frequently vary from one batch to another. Such connector devices are generally unreliable.

In the prior art, U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,674,389 and 3,674,390, issued to G. McI-Iardy Sturgeon et al., teach of apparatus for the roll compaction of metal powder to form a metal strip including the compacting rolls and a hopper for supplying the powder to the roll nip, a distribution of powder along the length of the roll nip is controlled by the provision of a weir forming part of a container situated above the hopper and arranged so that powderflows over the weir directly into the hopper. By shaping the weir edge so that each end of the edge is below the middle portion of the edge, a strip can be produced with improved uniformity of weight per unit area across the strip width.

In U. S. Pat. No. 3,637,l l apparatus is disclosed for initiating and facilitating sliding of material along a sloping bottom including a vibrationable unit wherein the material is activated by sound oscillations produced by a sound transmitter to cause the material to move toward a discharge opening.

Various other connector devices comprise a female type connectorsocket filled 'with a liquid substance containing metal particles in suspension or other type of conductive fluent material. Such socket type connectors are adapted to receive 'a male connector tip into conductive engagement with the fluent material. In these connector devices, the electrical characteristics vary from one device to the other.

The present day trend is to the miniaturization and micro-miniaturization of the electrical circuit equipment which involves high density packaging. This trend introduces problems such as providing consistently reliable electrical interconnecting devices that are pluggably detachable without the need of heat to effect the connecting and disconnecting operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides apparatus for fabricating an electrically conductive metal powder interconnector structure incorporating powder beds of submicron diameter nickel/gold particulate powders compacted within sockets as disclosed and claimed In U. S. application, Ser. No. 206,830, filed Dec. 10, 1971, now US. Pat. No. 3,771,107, issued Nov. 6, 1973.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided an apparatus for introducing submicron diameter nickel/gold particulate powder and compacting them within electrical connector sockets to form a powder bed having controlled and predetermined volume fraction characteristics. Generally, the apparatus for loading connector sockets comprises a loading fixture including a transfer plate having a plurality of holes therein and a powder loading cavity immediately above the transfer plate. An elastomeric sealing element secured to the bottom of the transfer plate by means of a pressure plate affixedto the fixture closes the lower openings of the holes in the transfer plate. A predetermined amount of metal powder particulate is placed into the powder loading cavity. The loading fixture is located on a vibrator table and mechanically shaken according to empirically determined criteria to introduce the metal powder particulate into the holes in the transfer plate. After the powder has been introduced into the holes in the transfer plate, the vibrator is stopped and the excess powder on the upper surface of the transfer plate is re moved by means ofa wiper element passed over the top surface of the transfer plate. The elastomer sealing element is replaced by a module device having a plurality of socket holes therein and located on the vibrator table. A compactor assembly including a plurality of compactor pins is introduced into the upper portion of the loading fixture. The apparatus is mechanically vibrated again at a predetermined frequency causing the compactor pins to enter the holes in the transfer plate thereby forcing the powder into the corresponding socket holes in the module device and compacting the powder within the socket holes. The densification, compacting or volumetric displacement of the powder particulate is according to empirically determined standards and thereby produces reliably good electrical interconnection mediums.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus for introducing submicron diameter metal particulate powders and compacting them within the sockets of an interconnection device to a uniformly controlled set of standards.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for loading an electrical connector device that may be made in very small sizes and in which the sockets can be effectively loaded with powder particulate to provide an efficient low impedance electrical connection with a pluggably detachable cooperating male connector element.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. l is an exploded isometric showing of one embodiment of apparatus adaptable to the loading of submicron diameter metal powder particulate into an electrical connector socket in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic showing of gear for vibrating the powder loading apparatus and the compacting of the powders within connector sockets of a module device.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional showing of apparatus for preforming a connector pin hole in compacted powder within the sockets of a module device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to H6. 1, there is shown an apparatus in accordance with the present invention for introducing submicron diameter metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets. After properly loaded with powder particulate, the sockets function to provide a detachably pluggable electrical connector having favorable electrical characteristics. The electrical connector socket loading apparatus comprises a loading fixture frame having a transfer plate ll with a plurality of holes 12 therein, a powder loading cavity 13 immediately above the transfer plate 11, and a receptacle area cavity 14 immediately below the transfer plate lll. The loading fixture lltl is preferably made by brass, although other anti-magnetic materials might be suitable for use. The transfer plate lll contains a plurality of holes usually in an array pattern matching the array pattern of the module sockets which are to be loaded with metal powder particulate. The holes are countersunk at their upper opening and polished to im prove the powder flow through. For example, in one model of the apparatus 30 mil diameter holes on a 100 mil grid were used. Other hole sizes and small grid configurations are possible. The thickness of the transfer plate 11 is predetermined by the volumetric characteristics of the mass of the powder intended for the connector sockets.

An elastomer sealing element 15 is inserted in the receptacle area cavity 14 against the bottom surface of the transfer plate H and is held in place by means of a pressure plate 16 secured to the loading fixture frame 10. The sealing element serves to close the lower ends ofthe holes 12 in the transfer plate 111.

A predetermined mass of powder depending upon the number of connector sockets to be loaded and the required volume fraction of the powder within the connector sockets is placed in the powder loading cavity 13. The loading fixture assembly is then located on the table 17 of the vibrator l8 and by means of the generator 19 is shaken at a frequency of from 250 to 300 Hz, an acceleration of approximately 4gs and displacement peak to peak of 5 mils, for a period of approximately 90 seconds. This produces powder particulate segregation. in other words, during the exposure of the transfer plate 11 to this period of mechanical vibration, the powder flows freely into the holes l2 until they are filled.

For the apparatus of the preferred embodiment, resonant conditions develop at frequency levels of from 250 to 300 Hz. With the loading fixture in a resonant mode of vibration, the metal powder particulates achieve their maximum segregation, i.e., they flow most readily and deposit within very close tolerances to achieve an identical mass of powder within each hole 12 in the transfer plate 11. This is an essential objective for the connector and will provide electrical performance characteristics which satisfy advanced packaging systems.

After the powder has been introduced into the holes 12 in the transfer plate ill, the vibrator 18 is stopped and the excess powder is removed by passing a flexible wiper element 20 via the opening 21 in the loading fixture frame 10 and over the upper surface of the transfer plate 1!. The powder wiper element 20 exits the loading fixture frame 10 via the opening 22. The elastomer sealing element 15 is carefully removed from the receptacle area cavity 14. A module device 23 having a plurality of electrical connector socket holes 24 therein is located in the receptacle area cavity 14 and held in position by means of the module holding plate 25 which is secured to the loading fixture frame 10. A compactor assembly comprising a plate of TEFLON 30 (trademark of E. l. du Pont de Nemours & Company) material or the like having a plurality of holes 3E therein and a corresponding number of compactor pins 32 slidably mounted in holes 31. The compactor pins 32 are of a predetermined length. The powder transfer loading assembly is then placed on the vibrator table 17 and agitated at a frequency sweep of from 250 to 4,000 Hz, an acceleration of approximately l5gs, displacement is variable, and for a period of approximately 2 minutes. The powder should be fully transferred from the transfer plate and densified or compacted within the electrical connector sockets of the module device 23. The results of this operation produces a powder bed within the socket receptacle 24 which is densified or uniformly compacted to a predetermined volume fraction. For experimental purposes, the volume fraction was between 20percent and 23 percent. It should be understood that other volume fraction characteristics are possible and may be more desirable for different connector applications.

The conductivity of the powder beds is contingent upon the volume fraction. The volume fraction may be defined as the ratio of the volume of the conductive powder to the volume ofthe spatial region to be occupied by the powder, defined as;

Vftn (l/Vo) (m/8) where V the total volume of the powder bed m the weight of the'powder 5 the true density of the powder For the powder submicron nickel/gold particulate of the preferred embodiment, the true density is determined as follows:

Alternatively, powder bed compaction characteristics are often defined by rheologists in the following manner:

a. Fraction solids content,

.Fsc pb/ps where:

pb bulk density pb solids density b. Voidage,

kg 1 FSC c. Porosity n=(V0-rn/5) +Vo and The volume fraction in the range of from vl5 to 30 percent appears to be an optimum ratio for compacting the powder so as to accept the connector pins in detachably pluggable connection. At lower values of volume fraction compacting the powder scatter increases rapidly and the powder bed is electrically unstable. At

higher levels of volume fraction compacting it is extremely difficult to forceably insert the male connector pins. Also, the powder bed is not ideally suited for detachment operations and repeated male pin penetration.

After densification of the metal powder particulate to obtain the desiredvolumefraction, it may be optionally desirable to create or preform pin lead holes in the compacted powder. Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional views of the connector'pin hole preform apparatus. The connector pin hole preform apparatus comprises a holder 35, compactor sleeve elements 36, and tapered pin hole former plungers 37 which are slidable within the compactor 36 and spring biased in an upward direction. Attached to the upper ends of the plungers 37 are the heads 38. To create the pin holes, the plungers 37 are driven downward thereby forcing the tip ends 37a a predetermined distance into the compacted powders 39 within the connector sockets'24 of the module device 23. After removal of the connector pin hole preform apparatus and the removal of the module device from the loading fixture frame, the module device is ready for use and interconnection with other circuitry. Pin-type electrical leads can be plugged to the module and detached therefrom as desired.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference'to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising:

a. a powder loading fixture including a transfer plate having a pattern of holes therein and including b. a receptacle cavity immediately below said transfer plate and further including c. a powder loading cavity immediately above said transfer plate,

d. a sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity to effectively close the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate,

e. a module device having an array of socket connector holes corresponding to the hole array in the tranfer plate and adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity when the-transfer plate has been loaded withmetal powder particulate, and

f. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture assembly so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate into corresponding holes in the module device and to compact the powder within the socket holes of the module device to a predetermined volume fraction.

2. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising:

a. a powder loading fixture including a transfer plate having a pattern of holes therein and including b. a receptacle cavity'immediately below said transfer plate and further including c. a powder loading cavity immediately above said transfer plate,

d. a sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity to effectively close the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate,

e. a module device having an array of socket connector holes corresponding to the hole array in the transfer plate and adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity when the transfer plate has been loaded with metal powder particulate,

f. a compactor assembly including a molded element having a plurality of holes therein corresponding to I the hole pattern in said transfer plate and a compactor pin slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element, said compactor assembly being adapted to overlie the transfer plate, and vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture assembly so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate into corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor pins function to compact the powder within the socket holes of the module device to a predetermined densification. I 3. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising:

a. a powder loading fixture including a transfer plate having a pattern of holes therein and including b. a receptacle cavity immediately below said transfer plate and further including c. a powder loading cavity immediately above said transfer plate, I v

d. a sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity to effectively close the end of the holes in the transfer plate,

e. means to hold said sealing element within said receptacle cavity,

f. a module device having an array of socket connector holes corresponding to the hole array in the transfer plate and adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity when the transfer plate has been loaded with metal powder particulate,

g. means for holding said module device within the receptacle cavity,

h. a compactor assembly including a molded element having a plurality of holes therein corresponding to the hole pattern in said transfer plate and a compactor pin slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element, said compactor assembly being adapted to overlie the transfer plate, and

i. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture assembly so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate into corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor pins function to compact the powder within the socket holes of the module device to a predetermined volume fraction.

4. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of submicron diameter metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising:

a. a loading fixture assembly of anti-magnetic material including:

a transfer plate having-a plurality of holes therein and including a receptacle cavity located immediately below the transfer plate and further including a powder loading cavity immediately above the transfer plate,

b. an elastomer sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity for temporarily closing the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate,

c. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture after a predetermined quantity of submicron diameter metal powder particulate has been placed into the loading cavity so as to produce metal powder particulate segregation and for introducing the powder into the holes within the transfer plate,

d. a module device having a plurality of electrical connector socket holes therein and corresponding to the holes in the transfer plate substituted for the elastomer sealing element in the receptacle cavity after the metal powder particulate segregation has been accomplished,

e. a compactor assembly including:

a molded element having a plurality of holes corresponding to the hole configuration in the transfer plate of said loading fixture and adapted for insertion into the loading cavity of said loading fixture assembly, and

a plurality of compactor pins of predetermined length, one slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element, and

f, said compactor assembly being operative when the loading fixture is again shaken by the vibrator means so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate to the corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor pins enter their respective holes in the transfer plate passing therethrough to assist the powder transfer and effect densification of the powder particulate within the socket holes in the module device to a predetermined volume fraction.

5. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of submicron diameter metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising:

a. a loading fixture assembly of anti-magnetic material including:

a transfer plate having a plurality of holes therein and including a receptacle cavity located immediately below the transfer plate and further including a powder loading cavity immediately above the transfer plate,

b. an elastomer sealingelement adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity for temporarily closing the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate,

c. means for holding the elastomer sealing element within the receptacle cavity,

(1. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture after a predetermined quantity of submicron diameter metal powder particulate has been placed into the loading cavity so as to produce metal powder particulate segregation and for introducing the powder into the holes within the transfer plate,

-e. a powder wiper element to remove excess powder I from the upper surface of the transfer plate after the shaking and segregation operation have been accomplished,

f. a module device having a plurality of electrical connector socket holes therein and corresponding to the holes in the transfer plate substituted for the elastomer sealing element in the receptacle cavity after the metal powder particulate segregation has been accomplished,

g. a compactor assembly including:

a molded element having a plurality of holes corresponding to the hole configuration in the transfer plate of said loading fixture and adapted for insertion into the loading cavity of said loading fixture assembly, and

a plurality of compactor pins of predetermined length, one slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element, and

h. said compactor assembly being operative when the loading fixture is again shaken by the vibrator means so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate to the corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor pins enter theirrespective holes in the transfer plate passing therethrough to assist the powder transfer and effect densification of the powder particulate within the socket holes in the module device to a predetermined volume fraction.

6. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of submicron diameter metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising:

a. a loading fixture assembly of anti-magnetic material including: 4

a transfer plate having a plurality of holes therein and including I a receptacle cavity located immediately below the transfer plate and further including a powder loading cavity immediately above the transfer plate,

, b. an elastomer sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity for temporarily closing the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate,

c, means for holding the elastomer sealing element within the receptacle cavity, d. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture after a predetermined quantity of submicron diameter metal powder particulate has been placed into the loading cavity so as to produce metal powder particulate segregation and for introducing the powder into the holes within the transfer plate,

e. a powder wiper element to remove excess powder from the upper surface of the transfer plate after the shaking and segregation operation have been accomplished,

f. a module device having a plurality of electrical connector socket holes therein and corresponding to the holes in the transfer plate substituted for the elastomer sealing element in the receptacle cavity after the metal powder particulate segregation has been accomplished,

g. a compactor and connector pin hole preform assembly including: I a molded element having a plurality of holes corresponding to the hole configuration in the transfer plate of said loading fixture and adapted for insertion into the loading cavity of said loading fixture assembly,

a plurality of compactor sleeve elements, one slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element,

a plurality of tapered pin hole former plungers, one slidably mounted within each compactor sleeve element, and

h. said compactor assembly being operative when the loading fixture is again shaken by the vibrator means so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate to the corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor sleeve elements enter their respective holes in the and effect a pin hole preform operation wherein said pin hole former plungers are activated to enter the densified powder particulate to preform holes therein to facilitate component level entry during assembly. 

1. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising: a. a powder loading fixture including a transfer plate having a pattern of holes therein and including b. a receptacle cavity immediately below said transfer plate and further including c. a pOwder loading cavity immediately above said transfer plate, d. a sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity to effectively close the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate, e. a module device having an array of socket connector holes corresponding to the hole array in the tranfer plate and adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity when the transfer plate has been loaded with metal powder particulate, and f. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture assembly so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate into corresponding holes in the module device and to compact the powder within the socket holes of the module device to a predetermined volume fraction.
 2. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising: a. a powder loading fixture including a transfer plate having a pattern of holes therein and including b. a receptacle cavity immediately below said transfer plate and further including c. a powder loading cavity immediately above said transfer plate, d. a sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity to effectively close the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate, e. a module device having an array of socket connector holes corresponding to the hole array in the transfer plate and adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity when the transfer plate has been loaded with metal powder particulate, f. a compactor assembly including a molded element having a plurality of holes therein corresponding to the hole pattern in said transfer plate and a compactor pin slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element, said compactor assembly being adapted to overlie the transfer plate, and g. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture assembly so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate into corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor pins function to compact the powder within the socket holes of the module device to a predetermined densification.
 3. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising: a. a powder loading fixture including a transfer plate having a pattern of holes therein and including b. a receptacle cavity immediately below said transfer plate and further including c. a powder loading cavity immediately above said transfer plate, d. a sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity to effectively close the end of the holes in the transfer plate, e. means to hold said sealing element within said receptacle cavity, f. a module device having an array of socket connector holes corresponding to the hole array in the transfer plate and adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity when the transfer plate has been loaded with metal powder particulate, g. means for holding said module device within the receptacle cavity, h. a compactor assembly including a molded element having a plurality of holes therein corresponding to the hole pattern in said transfer plate and a compactor pin slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element, said compactor assembly being adapted to overlie the transfer plate, and i. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture assembly so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate into corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor pins function to compact the powder within the socket holes of the module device to a predetermined volume fraction.
 4. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of submicron diameter metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising: a. a loading fixture assembly of anti-magnetic material including: a transfer plate having a plurality of holes therein and including a receptacle cavity located immediately below the transfer plate and further includiNg a powder loading cavity immediately above the transfer plate, b. an elastomer sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity for temporarily closing the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate, c. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture after a predetermined quantity of submicron diameter metal powder particulate has been placed into the loading cavity so as to produce metal powder particulate segregation and for introducing the powder into the holes within the transfer plate, d. a module device having a plurality of electrical connector socket holes therein and corresponding to the holes in the transfer plate substituted for the elastomer sealing element in the receptacle cavity after the metal powder particulate segregation has been accomplished, e. a compactor assembly including: a molded element having a plurality of holes corresponding to the hole configuration in the transfer plate of said loading fixture and adapted for insertion into the loading cavity of said loading fixture assembly, and a plurality of compactor pins of predetermined length, one slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element, and f. said compactor assembly being operative when the loading fixture is again shaken by the vibrator means so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate to the corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor pins enter their respective holes in the transfer plate passing therethrough to assist the powder transfer and effect densification of the powder particulate within the socket holes in the module device to a predetermined volume fraction.
 5. Apparatus for facilitating the loading of submicron diameter metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising: a. a loading fixture assembly of anti-magnetic material including: a transfer plate having a plurality of holes therein and including a receptacle cavity located immediately below the transfer plate and further including a powder loading cavity immediately above the transfer plate, b. an elastomer sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity for temporarily closing the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate, c. means for holding the elastomer sealing element within the receptacle cavity, d. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture after a predetermined quantity of submicron diameter metal powder particulate has been placed into the loading cavity so as to produce metal powder particulate segregation and for introducing the powder into the holes within the transfer plate, e. a powder wiper element to remove excess powder from the upper surface of the transfer plate after the shaking and segregation operation have been accomplished, f. a module device having a plurality of electrical connector socket holes therein and corresponding to the holes in the transfer plate substituted for the elastomer sealing element in the receptacle cavity after the metal powder particulate segregation has been accomplished, g. a compactor assembly including: a molded element having a plurality of holes corresponding to the hole configuration in the transfer plate of said loading fixture and adapted for insertion into the loading cavity of said loading fixture assembly, and a plurality of compactor pins of predetermined length, one slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element, and h. said compactor assembly being operative when the loading fixture is again shaken by the vibrator means so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate to the corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor pins enter their respective holes in the transfer plate passing therethrough to assist the powder transfer and effect densification of the powder particulate within the socket holes in the module device to a predetermined volume fraction.
 6. Apparatus for facilitatinG the loading of submicron diameter metal powder particulate into electrical connector sockets comprising: a. a loading fixture assembly of anti-magnetic material including: a transfer plate having a plurality of holes therein and including a receptacle cavity located immediately below the transfer plate and further including a powder loading cavity immediately above the transfer plate, b. an elastomer sealing element adapted for insertion into the receptacle cavity for temporarily closing the lower end of the holes in the transfer plate, c. means for holding the elastomer sealing element within the receptacle cavity, d. vibrator means for shaking the loading fixture after a predetermined quantity of submicron diameter metal powder particulate has been placed into the loading cavity so as to produce metal powder particulate segregation and for introducing the powder into the holes within the transfer plate, e. a powder wiper element to remove excess powder from the upper surface of the transfer plate after the shaking and segregation operation have been accomplished, f. a module device having a plurality of electrical connector socket holes therein and corresponding to the holes in the transfer plate substituted for the elastomer sealing element in the receptacle cavity after the metal powder particulate segregation has been accomplished, g. a compactor and connector pin hole preform assembly including: a molded element having a plurality of holes corresponding to the hole configuration in the transfer plate of said loading fixture and adapted for insertion into the loading cavity of said loading fixture assembly, a plurality of compactor sleeve elements, one slidably mounted within each hole in the molded element, a plurality of tapered pin hole former plungers, one slidably mounted within each compactor sleeve element, and h. said compactor assembly being operative when the loading fixture is again shaken by the vibrator means so as to transfer the powder within the holes in the transfer plate to the corresponding holes in the module device and wherein the compactor sleeve elements enter their respective holes in the transfer plate passing therethrough to assist the powder transfer and effect densification of the powder particulate within the socket holes in the module device to a predetermined volume fraction, and effect a pin hole preform operation wherein said pin hole former plungers are activated to enter the densified powder particulate to preform holes therein to facilitate component level entry during assembly. 